New Nurses Receive Pins

Aiken, SC (05/22/2019) — The University of South Carolina Aiken School of Nursing celebrated its May 2019 graduates during the annual pinning ceremony, held right before graduation.

As part of the event, those earning a Bachelor of Science in nursing received their professional pin, which displays symbols specific to USC Aiken. It includes the colors of red and gold, which represent courage and worthiness. In the center is the Double Knot, a symbol of the enduring relationship between the university and the community. The seal of the State of South Carolina emphasizes the value placed on higher education by the state. The rays of light at the top of the pin represent the light of knowledge.

In addition to the pinning, student-nurses lit a candle as part of a tradition honoring Florence Nightingale, believed to be the founder of modern nursing. During the Crimean Way she became known as a "ministering angel" for the attention she gave patients who called her "the lady with the lamp."

"It is in that tradition that these nurses light their lamps of caring and hope," said Dr. Thayer McGahee, dean of the USC Aiken School of Nursing.

At the conclusion of the time-honored ceremony, the graduates recited the "Nightingale Pledge." Through this, they agreed to "avoid hurtful or malicious behaviors," "maintain and elevate the standard" of the profession, "collaborate with fellow healthcare professionals to provide the highest standards of care, information and education," and to "devote" themselves to the welfare of those to whom they provide care.

The May 2019 BSN graduates were:

Hannah Baughman

Chandra Cole

Jesli Cook

Dantravia Cuthbertson

*Rebecca Fabich

Kimberly Flanagan

Bethany Fordham

*Belmar Garcia-Lopez

Grayson Goodwin

*Stephen Gordon

Kayla Johnson

Nikki Jones

*Kayla Justus

Sara Lyon

T'Keyah Martin-Jones

Hallie McCallister

Angel Oquendopadro

Ana Ortiz

Jessica Radke

Kristen Roberts

*Erin Seigler

Ruby Simpson

Peyton Smith

Kevin Stogner

*Erica Stone

Ashlyn Towner

*Brianna Valvano

Haley Williamson

Savannah Zerbel

*Member of Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society

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